Catholic News August 2024

ISSUE 327 AUGUST 2024 20p WHERE SOLD

Catholic News MORE THAN 25 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER

Published by Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 Editor Nick Layton E-mail cn@cathcom.org or davidl@cathcom.org

Memorial garden opened A memorial garden created in memory of a pupil has been officially opened during a primary school’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Daniel Rigley was eight years old when he passed away in 2021, after being diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 39 months old.

Pupils and staff at St Thomas’ Catholic Voluntary Academy, where Daniel was a pupil, raised over £6,000 to create the memorial eco-garden at the school in Church View, Ilkeston and funding from East Midlands Airport was also used.

The garden was officially opened by the Bishop of Nottingham, Patrick McKinney, as part of 50th anniversary celebrations at the school.

Pupils, staff, parents, the Diocese of Nottingham, the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust all took part in the events, along with former staff and two exHeadteachers.

The opening of the garden was followed by Mass, speeches and a special performance from pupils at the school.

Pupils spoke about their memories of Daniel.

Brooke said: “Although his life was short, he loved it. No matter what was happening, Daniel’s happy face kept everyone smiling.

I remember when he had been off for ages, when he came back I remember seeing everyone’s faces in Year 6. They were so happy like all their worries just went away.”

Willow said: “Daniel was a lovely lad. I remember when Daniel and Ayden would have a competition to see how many students and teachers we could run over in his wheelchair. Daniel was always smiling and his smile is forever in our souls.”

Finlay said: “Daniel was kind and smart. We were always laughing, I’m sure Year 6 will agree. Everyone’s faces lit up when he was in school. Daniel always had the best games at break. Daniel, everyone misses you.”

Headteacher Michael Sellors said: Although we had a lot of rain on the day of the blessing of Daniel’s Garden, when the time arrived for the opening by Bishop Patrick we were blessed with sunshine. It was a very emotional occasion for his family, his friends and the staff who knew Daniel. This beautiful garden stands as a lovely memorial to Daniel- a much missed and loved pupil.

Deputy Headteacher Andy Gotheridge said: It was a beautiful and fitting occasion to remember and celebrate Daniel and reflect on his time with us at school. We were privileged to be able to share this moment with his parents. This garden will serve as a poignant reminder of a fantastic pupil for many years to come.”

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The Catholic News. August 2024.

Fidelity and Adaptation

MORE THAN 24 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER The monthly paper for the Diocese of Nottingham

Editor: Nick Layton Editorial Office: Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 email: cn@cathcom.org or davidl@cathcom.org Website: www.bellcourtltd.co.uk Distribution enquiries: Nick Layton e-mail nick@cathcom.org, Bellcourt Limited, Publication date: Fourth Sunday of the month for the following month. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Diocese.

Publishers and Owners: Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Advertising: tel: 01440 730399 Parental permission should be sought before submitting photographs of minors.

Views expressed in The Catholic News are not necessarily those of the editor.

Wanted Parish Correspondents The Catholic News is looking for a Parish Correspondent in your parish to send in local news for publication in this newspaper.

All items to be emailed to cn@cathcom.org before 10th of the month

The SVP held its National Meeting at the end of June where around 250 members attended. The theme was Past, Present and Future with presentations, activities and workshops planned accordingly.

A key message was the concept of ‘Fidelity and Adaptation’ as the SVP continues its journey to 2033 and beyond. This milestone will celebrate its 200th birthday and, as it so happens – the 2000th anniversary of the Catholic church.

The SVP was founded in Paris in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam and his associates, starting up in England and Wales 1n 1844 – 180 years ago. The society’s mission has never wavered: to actively seek out those in need and offer practical support in a spirit of social justice.

Today there are around 8500 members in England and Wales, working hard to stay

true to and pursue the mission. Pockets of volunteers working in conferences dotted around the country alleviate poverty and need in whatever guise they discover it.

Different times, same issues – Vincentians have been helping those in need for nearly 200 years; people haven’t changed but the way support is provided has developed.

Back in 2016 the referendum on our membership of the European Union produced a much higher number of voters and yet the Brexit poll and its consequences or lack of them rarely featured in the recent party campaigns.

One post election comment summed up the electoral disillusionment by speaking of political infighting while ordinary people struggled to put food on their tables.

Despite all the negative observations the new Prime Minister was right to say that politics can be a force for good. We have 334 new members of Parliament they should be aware that the people who voted and those who did not will expect honesty, integrity and wisdom.

I think we all know there is no magic money tree but we should be informed better of how tax payers money is allocated and why funding is being postponed or even rejected. That is surely not just being honest but saying truth really matters.

Integrity and wisdom not only are part of our Christian Faith but should be involved in changing society for the better. All too often the weakest are the most vulnerable. In the last Parliament we heard much about support for assisted dying but virtually no concern for

The Vinnie Van

Blessed Frederic stated: “Charity should never look behind but always in front, because the number of good deeds which we have done in the past is always very small, while the present needs and future needs, which must be relieved, are always endless”

The endless present and future needs require that the society and its members adapt to the changing environment and context. Using technology, social media and communications, national and local fundraising, community centres and

FRANKLY SPEAKING On the Saturday morning after the recent General Election I met 6 or 7 shoppers in a local supermarket. In some various discussions no one mentioned the then very recent poll. Perhaps this was no great surprise as we now know that 4 in every 10 people on the electoral roll did not vote on July 4th.

projects and mobile support centres – affectionately known as Vinnie Vans, the society is ensuring it adapts its working practices to continue to grow and be effective in this third decade of the 21st century and beyond.

the plight of some of our hospices. Seventy percent of the financial support of these most vital supporters of human life comes from the fund raising. One in the north of England recently needed a large loan just to keep going. Who will champion their cause in the new Parliament?

There are so many other areas of concern that will come up against funding not being available and the two-child benefit cap seems to fall short when we hear about “tackling child poverty”. These children are the future of our country, they and we will be about to find out who we really are, and if politics can be a force for good.

Frank Goulding, Holy Trinity Parish, Newark

The beating heart of the society is its membership where committed Vincentians interact personally with their beneficiaries.

This has been the constant since 1833 – face-to face support for those in need. The tools, resources and support for the members has developed over time and will continue to do so as new ideas, initiatives and collaborations enable the society to adapt and grow.

Growth does rely on recruiting new members and a question you might wish to ponder is: what is your parish doing to enable parishioners to put their faith into action and help those in need? If you already have an SVP conference in your parish, contact them to find out more about what they do. If there is no SVP presence in your parish, contact Joe Gasan, Membership Support Officer at joeg@svp.org.uk for further information.

For all your advertising requirements please contact Nick on 01440 730399 nick@cathcom.org

The Catholic News. August 2024.

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Catholic primary school celebrates two successful inspections shortly after its re-opening following RAAC disruption Holy Trinity Catholic Academy in Newark are celebrating their recent ‘Outstanding’ rating following their Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection in June 2024.

The school has made outstanding provision for using a range of spaces for prayer both within and outside the school learning environment.’

The inspection report, assessed key areas of the Catholic curriculum and highlighted:

The Catholic Schools Inspection followed shortly after the school received a ‘Good’ Ofsted inspection judgement in March 2024; where the inspection team recognised and praised the school virtues and their impact on the pupils.

Catholic Life and Mission: Inspectors praised the school’s dedication to its Catholic mission. ‘All pupils know that they are valued and cared for: ‘No matter who you are or what you do, God will always love you’. Pupils are passionate advocates for the common good and looking after those most vulnerable in society.’

Inspectors also praised the work of leaders and governors: ‘Inspirational leadership teams have ensured that the mission and vision for the school is embraced and shared within the wider community.’

Religious Education: Pupils demonstrated excellent knowledge and independent learning skills in Religious Education.

Inspectors highlighted the effective teaching methods, the effective support of teaching assistants and professional development for teachers.

‘Teachers demonstrate confidence in the lessons they teach and are supported by able teaching assistants in the delivery of religious education. All teachers are committed to the teaching of religious education and have consistently high expectations of pupils. Pupils’ depth and detailed written responses in religious education is significantly enhanced through the rigorously embedded provision of Catholic life and mission and collective worship.’

‘Outstanding practice in Catholic life and mission and collective worship is continually transferred into pupil outcomes.’

Collective Worship: The school's prayer and liturgy practices were praised for their depth and pupil involvement.

‘Prayer and liturgy are deeply embedded into daily routine of the school.’

‘An inspirational leadership team lead by example, ensuring that all pupils understand the very essence of prayer and liturgy.’

The integration of music and art and strong parish links were also celebrated, along with the effective use of prayer spaces.

‘The virtues of respect, resilience, reconciliation, care, compassion and courage underpin everything that happens at this school. Pupils know these virtues and understand what they mean. They say that these help them to work hard, be good friends and get the most out of being at school. As one pupil told an inspector: ‘This is a fun place where memories are made.’’

These two inspections followed significant building work disruption at the school, as a result of the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in its roof panels at the beginning of the academic year.

Almost all of the school building was unusable. Pupils were moved out of their classrooms and educated in portacabins on their playground. A huge marquee was erected and used for PE, assemblies, lunch and other activities as a temporary replacement for the school hall, while work took place to make the building safe.

She added, “We are blessed and incredibly grateful to have had such tremendous support from the Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Academy Trust Central Team throughout this

challenging year, as well as our local Holy Trinity parish community.”

This Outstanding Catholic Schools Inspection rating builds on the school's previous ‘Good’ rating from July 2017.

Threefold Joy Raised the Roof!

The building work was completed and the school was fully operational again from February 2024.

The Ofsted Inspection team praised the school’s leadership for its resolve in maintaining the good quality of education despite the RAAC disruption, ‘During recent, critical building works, the leadership of the school has showed true grit and determination. They united the school’s community to minimise the impact of the disruption this has caused.’

Julia Summers, Headteacher at the school expressed her pride in both inspection achievements: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils, staff and governors for their commitment to living out our Catholic faith.

To have achieved these judgements following such disruption to our school in the first half of the year truly reflects the dedication of our entire school community.”

On Friday, 5 July, the Good Shepherd Church hosted three magnificent choirs, the Sonara Singers, the Radcliffe on Trent, and the Mansfield and District Male Voice choirs, numbering over 100 in total who filled the church with beautiful sound.

dynamics and good presentation, with fabulous renditions of Kwmbayah and Soldiers’ Chorus.

Radcliffe on Trent staged a big choir with a highlight being Crossing the Bar. Sonara provided a beautiful contrast with their soprano and alto voices, giving a haunting performance of Kyrie and Adiemus. The Mansfield choir performed their varied programme with a range of

The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and choristers alike in a church with a great acoustic sound.

Threefold Joy indeed!

"Bring him Home" provided the finale with the three choirs combining in a clever arrangement by Sonara’s MD.

Submitted by Margaret Ball on behalf of the Good Shepherd Church

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The Catholic News. August 2024.

Children Celebrate 60th Anniversary with Art Diamond Jubilee Celebrations at The Church of The Good Shepherd, Woodthorpe, Nottingham continued throughout May and June, this time with an Art Competition.

Children and young people from St Margaret Clitherow and Good Shepherd Primary Schools, and Christ the King Secondary School were invited to submit a

piece of art work to illustrate 'What the Good Shepherd Church Means To Me', We were delighted by the originality and creativity shown by the children. Many had been inspired by the church's stunning stained glass windows with several choosing mosaic to depict them, while others used water colours to create an image of the church's exterior. Portraits of Fr Philipp Ziomek brought a smile to everybody's faces, and there was even a 3D model of the church.

Fr Philipp was tasked with judging from each age group and, after much deliberation, winners were awarded art-related prizes, with a bag of sweets for each participant.

The entries have been much admired by parishoners and will remain on display in the Social Centre for the remainder of the year.

Helen White Good Shepherd Church.

From: Elston Hermitage……

Here we are in the month of August with the first half of the year behind us and so far here in the first ten days of July (as I write this) the weather has not been what we might have expected for summer months.The little sunshine we have had and much rain has brought great growth.

Most of us have not managed to spend as much time in our gardens and here in Elston things out of doors seem to have presented a challenge for one reason or another. Here day by day and week by week we have set ourselves manageable goals in order to catch up. Some of these goals have been realistic and achievable others not so!

But perhaps it is important to have goals in life.

Some people set educational goals,some have career goals, others financial goals, still others strive for personal goals either in the gym or on the track. And these goals can be very dierent depending on the individual person, their age, their circumstances in life , their job and other specifics.

But as Christians, we should all have one major common goal, a spiritual goal, the goal of all goals one might say, and that goal is to simply live a life of authentic love of faith, which naturally leads us to inherit the incredible gift of eternal life - Heaven the Kingdom of God. eternal happiness and our one true goal - the most important goal we will ever set ourselves to achieve.

This month of August in a world full of many distractions of one form or another.we recall and celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In 1950. Pope Pious XII declared the long standing belief and doctrine that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed (taken) body and soul into heaven. From her place in Heaven, Our Blessed Mother continues to pray for all humanity, with the tender love and compassion of a mother. As such Mary is the embodiment of our most important goal, but also by her life she becomes the road map on how to reach this goal. Through the prayers of Our Blessed Virgin Mother, may we grow in the beautiful virtues she espoused, integrity, justice,

Pope Pious XII trust. peace, obedience, reverence, holiness and respect for all human life.

Therefore on this Solemnity let us all cast our eyes on Mary, and see in her our hope, our loving Mother, our powerful prayer partner - our one true goal. As we gather on the 15th, let us give praise to our grace filled virtuous Mother. She is the ‘perfect disciple’ as she points humanity to our one true goal - eternal life in Heaven, and by her life she shows us how to pursue this goal. As we celebrate her crowning glory in

her Assumption into heaven, we emulate her openness and trust in God, which enabled His holy will to be achieved in such an extraordinary way. The Blessed Virgin is our hope and promise of what God’s grace can do in our ordinary lives if we trust and believe.

May Our Blessed Lady wrap the mantle of her love and protection around us all!

Fr David + h.d.n.

Priest and Hermit

The Catholic News. August 2024.

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Presented with his BA diploma "80 year old Mr Peter Green of Our Lady of Victories, Market Harborough, has been awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology (Upper Second Class Honours) by Domuni Universitas, the International Dominican University based in Toulouse, France. The University is an academic institution of the Dominican Order (Order of Preachers) in the Catholic Church.

Mass at Holy Cross, in the presence of family, friends, fellow Lay Dominicans and members of the Holy Cross congregation."

Helen Green

Mr Green, a Methodist minister for 44 years, who was received into full communion with the Catholic in 2013 at the age of 70, has been a Lay Dominican with the Leicester Fraternity at Holy Cross Priory, since 2017. He studied part-time with the University for 6 years, a commitment that involved written assignments, written exams at a local centre and live face-to-face oral exams via the internet.

Peter was presented with his BA diploma

by Fr. John Farrell, OP after the 12.30pm

Celebrating 60 Years of Faith On Saturday 15 June, the Good Shepherd Church celebrated their 60th Jubilee Holy Mass with Bishop Patrick. We were honoured as well with the company of Bishop John Sherrington ( formerly a parish priest of the Good Shepherd Church) to the delight of many of the parishioners.

The liturgical delivery was remarkable, highlighted and lifted by the choir who delivered beautifully on the evening. It was clear to see that all the hard preparations and practices paid dividends, bringing it all together in a magnificent way.

The evening continued with refreshments in the hall, good food, good company with Bishop Patrick doing the honours of cutting the cake.

Submitted on behalf of the Good Shepherd Church, Woodthorpe

National Bereaved Parents' Day St Charles church in Hadfield held a special ecumenical service for National Bereaved Parents Day on 3 July. People who had experienced the loss of a child, or who have been affected by the loss of a child, participated in the service of healing readings and gentle music. This was followed by tea and cakes where memories were shared of the children. It is planned to make this an annual event.

Sue Hoolahan

The Catholic News. August 2024.

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A Quartet of Feasts with Saints Peter and Paul Our Quartet of Feasts really began the 10 days prior to the feast of St Peter and St Paul when we were encouraged by Canon Geoffrey to make a Novena in preparation.

We all had a copy of our Parish Prayer and a candle and were asked to spend 5 minutes a day with our lit candle, saying our Parish Prayer to our Patron Saints and praying for the renewal of the Parish.

Friday 28 June – School Mass Celebration Our normally quiet Friday Mass was replaced by a special celebration led by the pupils of Saints Peter and Paul School to celebrate our Patronal Feast. The entire School was present and so obviously our church was absolutely full, as our parishioners also attended.

Our young people led us in a wonderful Mass; they were impeccably behaved, read all the readings, took up the offertory, led the bidding prayers and the music. The music, which added joy and enabled reflection, really enhanced the celebrations. Beginning with ‘Be still and know”, and including “What a beautiful name it is”, “New name written down in Glory” and the dismissal “In Christ alone my faith is found”: all hymns to raise our thoughts and Prayers to God, helping us to remember what an amazing gift our faith is, and how courageous Saint Peter and Saint Paul were in making sure that faith and knowledge was handed down to the people and laying the foundations for taking the Good News to all corners of the world.

Following Mass the young people served delicious refreshments to all in the Parish Centre. The refreshments were all home made (The Millionaire Shortbread disappeared extremely fast). Thank you to all SSPP pupils and staff for beginning our Quartet of Feasts so beautifully and generously.

International Meal Sunday – A quartet of Feasts

including The Lord Bishop of Lincoln, Right Reverend Stephen Conway, and our own Bishop, Right Reverend Patrick McKinney, in attendance.

Much of the service was sung by the parish choir, which drew praise afterwards. Canon Geoffrey Hunton, at the outset, asked everyone to pray for ecumenism, whilst His Excellency spoke briefly and presented Canon Eddy Jarosz with a Papal blessing for his birthday.

focused on our feast day. Our Choir had been rehearsing a special event for us all and enhanced the Celebration of 9am Mass by their great singing and Organ playing.

The Flower arrangers had “gone to town” and the church looked absolutely beautiful.

Following our 11am Mass, we had the great pleasure of sharing an International meal, our community is very diverse and we had several graces to bless the food which came from several Continents and many countries. We had every table and seat in the Parish Centre filled and there were many people standing eating as well. We have been celebrating with an international meal for the past two years and this our third year, we definitely had the joy of even more joining in. The food was delicious and plentiful, from so many different countries, rich and spicy, hot and tasty. Soups, main courses, cakes and deserts in abundance.

It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy food, spend time with people, appreciating just how many countries are part of our community and what a great reflection of our world we meet with week after week.

We had the privilege of people joining us from one of the local sheltered housing communities and they were delighted with the experience. It was of course over too soon and as we cleared up and went home everyone without exception was delighted with the celebration.

Bienvenido

Following Friday’s Celebration of Mass with our young people at SSPP School and a wedding on Saturday the Day of the Feast dawned. Our three weekend Masses

The third of the festivities took place on the evening of the first day of July – when St Peter & St Paul Church welcomed His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, the Apostolic Nuncio to The Court of St James – to celebrate a service of Ecumenical Vespers, with the Civic Party, leaders of local Christian denominations,

The service was followed by a reception in the parish centre, which had been decorated in the Vatican colours of yellow and white; there was a great atmosphere, with everyone appearing to enjoy themselves, aided by a tasty buffet, drinks and plentiful conversation. It was a tremendous privilege for the parish to host this service and to be included in the Papal Nuncio’s itinerary for his visit to our Diocese.

Thank you to all involved for what was a very special evening and in particular to Frances O’Donnell, who catered for parish events across many decades and came out of retirement especially for this occasion.

She says it will definitely be her last (though if the Pope himself was to visit, who knows!). Above all, we thank His Excellency for coming and trust both he, and his secretary Father Andrew Coy, went away with happy memories from their brief time in the city; we are certainly left with happy memories from their time with us.

Strawberry Cream Tea

A little later than usual, owing to parish events, the last in our celebrations was the Strawberry Cream Tea, planned for Tuesday the 2nd of July.

The day dawned cloudy and damp, but nothing could dampen our enthusiasm.

Arriving bright and early, preparations

began. The tables looked beautiful with small vases filled with flowers and pretty tablecloths. The kitchen was a hive of activity. Sandwiches made, delicious cakes arranged on plates, quiche, sausage rolls and much more! Guests started to arrive, greeted by a warm smile. It was a special pleasure to welcome Residents and their Carers from a very local Care Home, along with the folk from the Retirement Housing Complex a very close neighbour. Soon the parish centre was buzzing with conversation, everyone soaking up the happy atmosphere. A roaring success once again. Thank you, everyone.

Round up for our quartet of feasts We certainly had the most amazing of celebrations: Masses; a special service to celebrate with our Bishops, civic dignitaries and ecumenical friends; an International Meal to relax and come together to celebrate our wonderfully dynamic international parish; a Wedding and a Baptism! And a great Strawberry Cream Tea to bring together so many people outside the parish and to raise money for those in need of help.

In reflecting on the weekend of Celebrations, it really felt as though the Pandemic and all its restrictions were in the past and the new life in the Parish was springing up as a fountain of hope for the future. I am sure all the joy these celebrations brought with them heralds hope for the future of our Parish, as we enjoy our year of prayer and preparation for the ‘Holy Year’ to come in 2025.

A huge thank you to Canon Geoffrey for encouraging all the celebrations and to all the parishioners – and there were very, very many – for all their very hard work in making it all happen.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s community, Lincoln.

The Catholic News. August 2024.

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Scripture Focus

By Fr Jeremy Corley

Nuggets of Wisdom Today many websites offer nuggets of wisdom from various philosophers from east and west, ancient and modern. The Bible also offers many nuggets of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs. This collection of wise sayings is linked to King Solomon, regarded as the wisest of Israel’s rulers.

After the death of King David, his son Solomon recognized his lack of experience and his need of wisdom, so he prayed for an understanding heart and the ability to govern his people wisely (1 Kings 3:3-15). God abundantly granted his request.

When two women came to him, disputing over a lost baby and a surviving baby, surprisingly he called for a sword to cut the surviving baby in half (1 Kings 3:16-28). When one of the women was willing to give up the child so that it would live, Solomon knew that this was the real mother.

Traditionally it was King Solomon who began the collection of wise sayings

preserved in the Book of Proverbs. But doubtless other sayings were added by later scribes, gathering the wisdom of the people of Israel for posterity.

One of the most famous sayings teaches: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10). In other words, wisdom is more than an intellectual exercise or a sign of cleverness.

True wisdom means recognizing that everything comes from God, who created the whole world. It means following God’s laws in our behaviour, because only in this way can we find our true happiness.

The Book of Proverbs encourages us to learn from the creatures in the natural world. If we are tempted to laziness, we are told: “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise” (Prov 6:6).

In a world where thoughtless words can so often hurt people, we are encouraged to reflect on how we speak: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov 15:1).

We have probably heard the saying: “Pride goes before a fall.” This wise advice is a shortened form of the adage: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov 16:18).

Whereas many people like to be considered strong, the Book of Proverbs reflects on a wise use of strength for anger management: “One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one who rules his spirit is better than someone who conquers a city” (Prov 16:32).

Sometimes we are jolted into thinking by an apparent contradiction: “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (Prov 26:4-5).

This advice is contradictory. Do we answer a fool in a foolish way, or not? Perhaps it depends on circumstances, or perhaps there is no good way to answer a fool. We can descend to the level of the fool to respond to him, but then we are being just

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as foolish. Or we can refuse to descend to the fool’s level, and then he will think himself clever.

The last poem in the book is the beautiful praise of the capable wife: “A woman of worth—who can find her?

She is far more precious than jewels” (Prov 31:10). Such a woman fulfils her daily tasks diligently, and her husband’s heart trusts in her. “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Prov 31:26).

While a woman’s physical beauty is important, her beautiful personality is more important: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Prov 31:30). This emphasis on the Godfearing attitude of the woman of worth brings us back to the opening of the book: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov 1:7).

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The Catholic News. August 2024.

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The Eleventh Commandment The Eleventh Commandment is a novel by Jeffrey Archer, first published in 1998, the title of which refers to the rule ‘Thou Shalt Not Get Caught’. Be that as it may, I wonder what might have been the eleventh commandment Moses would have brought down from Mount Sinai.

Mount Sinai (pictured) – variously referred to as Moses’ Mountain, Mount Moses, Mount/Gebel Horeb or Mount/Gebel Musa - on the Sinai peninsula in Egypt is traditionally accepted as the site according to the Torah, Bible and Quran at which Moses received the Ten Commandments from God (Exodus 20:317). The mount, made of granite, stands 2285 metres (7497 ft.) above sea level with 4,000 steps constituting the Path of Moses, oft trodden these days by pilgrims and tourists.

According to traditional teachings, The Ten Commandments were written by the finger of God (Exodus 31:18) on the two stone Tablets of the Law. The biblical narrative continues with mention of the stones then being smashed by Moses, enraged at the sight of the Children of Israel worshipping a golden calf (Exodus 32:19). Moses then chiselled out a second set to be rewritten

by God (Exodus 34:1).

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The Talmud, the central text of Rabbinic Judaism and the primary source of Jewish law and theology, tells us that the stones were made of blue sapphire – or perhaps lapis lazuli - symbolising the sky, the heavens and the throne of God. Popularly described and often depicted as round-topped rectangles, the tablets were most likely rough-hewn rectangles with sharp edges, as reflected in Christian art throughout the first millennium CE.

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So I can’t help but wonder what might have been the eleventh commandment had one been forthcoming from the hand of God, to what eleventh commandment might have Jesus been aluding when he drew a line in the sand? Several suggestions cross my mind.

Mount Sinai (Aerial view) by Vlad Kiselov ‘Do not judge …’ (‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged.’ Matthew 7:1) strikes me as particularly apposite these days when intolerance casts an ever-increasing shadow across social mores and society at large.

‘Live and let live’ is a wise proverb, not that others are not. To my mind, it prompts personal, individual responsibility yet breathes tolerance of one’s fellows.

Alternatively there is what has been pithily referred to as ‘The Golden Rule’: ‘Do unto others as you would them do unto you’ (Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12).

But for my first choice of a hypothetical eleventh commandment, I draw on instruction I once received from a highly acclaimed cleric and Bishop of the Catholic faith. He explained that there is one commandment, one instruction, one exhortation which serves as the keystone holding all others in place, that being the words attributed to St Augustine in a sermon on 1 John 4:4-12: ‘Love God and do thy will’.

Mount Sinai (Ground view) by Artem Labunsky.

Attribution: and Acknowledgements Texts/References adapted and/or adopted from http://en.wikipedia.org under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by4.0: sa/4.0/; Photographs © on Unsplash: Mount Sinai (Aerial view) by Vlad Kiselov; Mount Sinai (Ground view) by Artem Labunsky.

Dr J L Kettle-Williams is an experienced business communications consultant and wordsmith (tutor, writer, translator).

The Catholic News. August 2024.

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Ecumenical Celebration in Chellaston Derby

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St. Ralph Sherwin flower group have decorated a window in St.Peter’s Anglian church in celebration of the Patronal Feast of SS. Peter and Paul. This has become an annual ecumenical tradition in Chellaston.

Inspired 60th Jubilee Timeline

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Eight children from the parish of Gaza receive First Holy Communion

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New stirring of the Spirit

JUNE 2024

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Our Lady of Fatima 13th

May

in the Church

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Since I started working for the Pastoral Team in 2021, I wanted to create some kind of event where people will understand, once again, why our church is an important part of their lives. That it is not just a building; it is not just a place for worship: it is a place full of memories and prayers.

When we moved to the parish, I experienced that several members of our church were just simply upset that they needed to pay for endless repairs to the roof… Some of them even wanted to demolish the church and start from scratch again. So, from the moment when Bishop Mass had a confirmed date I knew something special needed to be planned.

My initial idea was an exhibition of some form, where parishioners could bring in old pictures of special events and bring back special memories.

The collection of photos started early this year. Surprisingly, it was a bit more complicated than I had initially thought and I started to panic. Luckily, these things in life are led by God himself. So just a few weeks before the jubilee mass, I met with Michelle Swann from the Good Shepherd Flower team and she told me about her idea of timeline. I knew instantly that the timeline was exactly what this church and the event needed. There are two main

Good results from new programme to encourage teachers to become Catholic

Seventh trip to Ukraine for Archdiocese of Liverpool

Nearly a century of Yearbooks shine a light on changes in society and the Church

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St Anthony of Padua – June 13th

New Bishop Ordained at Clifton Cathedral

The war has not prevented divine graces from happening

People are beginning to look for deeper truth and meaning. How is the Church to deal with these new spiritual seekers?

parish of Gaza receive First

eight children of the First Holy Communion to their preparation parish after completing despite the war. program and education,

From Pope Francis: Francis, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God, sends greetings and a Blessing to his dear son Bosco MacDonald of the clergy of Clifton diocese and hitherto appointed to the Bishop of Clifton as dean and administrator of the Cathedral church of Saints Peter and Paul in the city of Bristol.

Blessed indeed was that Apostle who, proclaiming true witness to Christ the son of the living God, received at that moment his heavenly reward (cf Mt 16, 16-17). As We reflect today, stepping ahead joyfully, on so great a fatherly revelation, which is a support and consolation in Our task of guiding the universal Church, We now intend with fatherly concern to secure the welfare of the Clifton ecclesial

You may commit yourself to episcopal Ordination outside the City of Rome, maintaining liturgical norms, by a catholic Bishop of your choice. Before your episcopal Ordination, nevertheless, it will be for you to make a profession of faith and swear a declaration of loyalty to Us and Our Successors in accordance with the rules of ecclesiastical law. It is Our will that you should inform the clergy and people of your diocese of this Our decree. We urge them with all our heart to cherish the diocese and accept you as custodian and guide.

Dear son, may the Lord provide you with the strength to serve permanently God’s holy people, through the intercession of the

indcatholicnews.com

This is perhaps not surprising in the face of the participants on a journey of conversion state of the world, and with the Southwark diocesan the inability of through a mix of talks, prayer and Agency for politicians and world leaders small group Evangelisation to fix things. sharing. This and Catechesis to put these culminates in a time of on.

People are now beginning, special This began during perhaps, to look prayer for the COVID with the talks and outpouring of the Holy elsewhere for deeper truth Spirit. small group sharing and meaning. But Through this taking place online. This participants come to a how is the Church to deal more year, however, as with these new conscious experience last year, the seminars will of their baptism and its spiritual seekers? How do take place live at St we help them open meaning and are empowered George's Cathedral, by the Holy Spirit Southwark. themselves up to the transforming power of to become more effective disciples of Christ in the gospel message and to a personal the secular world today.

There seems to be a new relationship with Christ?

They will then be beamed stirring of the Holy to a dozen or so Spirit at the moment. People hubs both in Southwark are suddenly Pope Francis considers and Westminster the Life in the Spirit dioceses. turning up in church who haven't been for a One of the most effective evangelistic Here groups will meet locally in tools seminars to be so effective that he long time or have never been. has asked homes and parish Apparently there that have emerged in the past halls and access the talks 60 years is a the Charismatic Renewal were so many people to run them virtually. To register trying to enter course called The Life in the Spirit Seminars. throughout and get more info about Westminster Cathedral the Church worldwide. This this Easter that they This is not has the individual hubs and an academic course, despite couldn't all fit in! There are timing see: visit the been happening over the reports of similar name. last few years, rcsouthwark.co.uk Rather it is a series of seven things happening at parish and search for Life in the sessions, particularly in the Southwark level. diocese. Here the Spirit often led by lay people which takes local diocesan charismatic team has partnered Continued on page 3

cliftondiocese.com

Bishop Bosco MacDonald was Ordained the Tenth Bishop of Clifton at Clifton Cathedral on Wednesday 7 May 2024.

Holy Communion of A packed Cathedral welcomed the new Bishop, which, deprived at present Many community Mass. daily to continued to celebrate production room along in refugefollowing with his family and almost all the Clifton the resignation of Our Venerable taking been ability to open a private is those who are sick have (the host), whichdiocesan priests and Deacons,which and Bishops brother Declan Ronan Lang, awaits its Pastor. also enables produce the special bread the walls of the church, Pierbattista, Latin from England and Wales.

The choirSacraments and music daily. used during Mass. Cardinal the Church’s expressed them to receive were outstanding.

We therefore consider that it is appropriate for of Jerusalem, has formerly the Sacraments Patriarch faith demonstrated so to approach you, dear son, who, devoted as GazaUs During the past three months, the strength and steadfast to pray for our people in to be given in the which he has We continue of the Church continued Archbishop Bernard Longley, of and you are to pastoral activities, have displayed the parishioners of Gaza, them strength give Archbishop noting that the by calls to those that God would we human and christian gifts, by reason of And many Holy Family Church of Gaza, times.

Birmingham andduring Metropolitan Principal was witnessed during his check-up these tough patience also recently given for you seem to Us suited to this ministry.

Sacrament of Baptism was and hopewhich the Consecrating Bishop, with Bishop Declan taking refuge in the monastery. continue to plead for a cease-fire to to a child. and justiceAccordingly, peace and Bishop Peter Colins, Bishop East Anglia, guided by the counsel of the plan ofof on the Feast Day the parish a comprehensive On Sunday, January 7th, 2024, from the images shared on as Co-consecrating Dicastery for Bishops and by the fullness of Lord, also known as graces from We note, take place. Bishops. divine prevented not of the Baptism of the has that the parish of Gaza The war Our Apostolic authority, We willingly appoint priest of the Latin their Facebook page, Theophany, Fr. Yousef, Vicar We have previously witnessed Along with representatives from Rome you Bishop of Clifton, granting you the due the sacrament of happening. parish of Gaza, administered including the Apostolic Nuncio, the following rights and matching obligations associated message from Pope Francis was read: with this ministry.

Eight children from the

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Blessed Virgin Mary and of the apostles Peter and Paul, in faith and hope and in fervent charity to nourish that people fully.

Francis Continued on Page 5

In conversation with Emeritus Bishop Declan

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parts. The history of our church and its development over the last 60 years, and the people of our parish - The Good Shepherd people. Once I knew it would be a timeline, my designer’s brain had to start thinking quickly how to create it. I wanted a simple design which would not cost much and can be printed in our church. And the hope was, that once people see the timeline progressing they would bring more photos in.

So, with Michelle and Helen (White) we began the timeline and our prayers were answered: people really started bringing more photos in.

Although interest in the timeline grew as it expanded in the few weeks it was on the wall leading up to the Bishop’s Mass, it garnered far more attention in its completed form on the big day. It made me really happy when I saw people talking near the timeline. I could see them discussing it as it brought back all the fond memories of the past sixty years. While for newer or younger members it made them aware of the history and development of the building and the community.

Julie Rawding Good Shepherd Church, Arnold.

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The Catholic News. August 2024.

“An ocean of opportunity” Good Schools Guide 2024

Building life-long knowledge, values, friendships and memories for girls and boys age 4-18 years.

r 2024 - www.lsf.org/amherst be em pt Se r fo le ab ail av es ac pl d Limite

St Mary’s School Derby Chapel and Classes Blessed by Bishop Patrick On Friday 5th July, St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy was delighted to welcome Bishop Patrick McKinney, Fr Simon Gillespie and Fr Greg Tobin into the School for the official blessing of the newly built premises.

The Chapel, which has been donated a magnificent stained glass window by the Sisters of Mercy, was dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy. It was good that Sisters from the Convent were able to be present on this important occasion. The window has the Corporal Works of Mercy depicted down the sides and a glorious yellow and orange centre piece. Children from the Chaplaincy Team were present for the blessing, along with governors and other stakeholders.

After the Chapel was blessed, Bishop Patrick visited every class, blessing the teachers and staff, and the new class crosses showing the Dove of Peace.

It was a joyful and spiritually uplifting day, that was followed by the School’s Summer Fair, with lots of fun for children and families.”

Frances Hazel (Catechetical Coordinator DM)

Page 11

The Catholic News. August 2024.

Prize winning paintings

On Friday 17th May, three members of the Ilkeston Council 315 of the Knights of St Columba visited St Thomas School in Ilkeston to present prizes to entrants in the Easter Painting Competition.

Brothers’ Gerard Lovelock, Victor George and John Melbourne presented each winner with a certificate and an Amazon gift voucher.

Council was also thanked for its donation of an altar cover in the school colour of green and embroidered with the school badge. Pictured alongside the new altar

cover are Brothers’ Melbourne, Lovelock and George with school headteacher Mr. Sellors and pupils.

asking where their fellow parishioners came from. The parish continues to add to the World Map as more people come forward with their birth nationalities, reminding us of the importance of being a welcoming Church to those who seek to make their home here and to embrace them as part of the community. Holy Family Parish is truly blessed with people who come with a real sense of vocation and calling to minister in the parish as Readers,

Catechists, Welcomers, Eucharistic Ministers …. often finding that the Church is the one place where they are welcome and valued. They find a home from home and enrich the life of the parish.

42 and counting!

For the recent Feast of Pentecost, Holy Family Parish in Nottingham decided to do a mapping exercise to discover how many nationalities make up the parish. People were invited to let the parish office know their country of birth, so that they could all be marked on a World Map on display in each of the three churches in the parish.

After a few weeks, the parish is now up to 42 different nationalities, and counting!

Every continent, except Antarctica, is represented, with people coming from as near as Ireland, to as far away as Chile, Australia, Canada, and China. The maps are a wonderful image of the diversity of the parish, the universality of the Catholic Church and also show what a blessing immigration is to our Church and country.

After Mass, there is always a small crowd of children at the map, showing their pals where their parents or they were born and trying to work out who has travelled the furthest to get to Nottingham.

‘Ah Dad, who is ov’r in ‘eaven’ To tie into the Year of Prayer and the focus during 2024 on the Lord’s Prayer, the parish has also asked parishioners to write out the Our Father in their own language.

So, displayed in each Church is the Lord’s Prayer in Chinese, Lebanese, Portuguese, French, Kikuyu, Maltese, Kiswahili, Igbo, Dutch, Vietnamese, Hausa, Idoma and in Nottingham dialect (which starts ‘Ah Dad, who is ov’r in ‘eaven. Ittsimm whose holy’) On the Feast of Pentecost, at each Mass on Sunday, people were encouraged to pray the Our Father in their own language, resulting in a wonderful, colourful babble of prayer. Parishioners prayed the Our Father with great pride and enthusiasm, happy to share their own way of praying with those around them. Afterwards, people chatted to people they had always sat near, but never really talked to, asking what language it was they had heard and

So here’s the challenge …… is there any parish in the Diocese of Nottingham that can identify more nationalities? 42 and counting……

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The Catholic News. August 2024.

Student wins citywide public speaking competition with speech about mum's death A student won a citywide public speaking competition with a speech about how she coped with her mother passing away.

Matilda aims high in school and even has aspirations of becoming a future Prime Minister.

Fifteen-year-old Matilda Kitenge, who is a student at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby, lost her mum when she was in Year 6 at primary school.

Teacher Daniel Thornhill, who is Matilda’s Head of Year, said: “Matilda is a student whom I see as one with a great future ahead of her. Without a doubt, she has lived out the message of her speech and she serves as an inspiration to others. I feel immensely privileged to have been there to witness it, and I am immensely proud to be her Head of Year.”

The 15-year-old won Derby Schools Public Speaking Competition, which is open to secondary schools across the city.

Matilda said: “I really struggled to talk about losing my mum in Years 7 and 8 as I was angry and I was quite moody but I feel like it made me stronger and I wanted to share why I am so strong now. She’s my inspiration and I think she would be proud of me.”

Matilda is a strong advocate for youth voice and said that young people should not be afraid to speak out.

She said: “I think people are too embarrassed and scared to speak out because other’s opinions are at the back of everyone’s minds. I would tell them to let go of the fear of what other people think because we only live once.”

Derby Schools Public Speaking Competition is run by Derby City Council.

Students work with the Lost Boys Theatre company who deliver workshops and offer advice ahead of the final.

Matilda and other students from across the city made it to the final after delivering speeches in front of their peers and they then performed in front a panel.

of the 10 years that the competition has been running.

Saint Benedict CVA and Matilda’s family and friends are immensely proud of her, but the school is no stranger to taking this trophy home, as this is the 6th victory out

Hazel Boyce, Headteacher at Saint Benedict, said: “We are delighted that a pupil from Saint Benedict has once again won this prestigious competition.

C R O S S WO R D

2-in-1 Crossw

“The bravery and confidence with which Matilda spoke was incredible she is such a force for good! We are all incredibly proud of Matilda and know she will go forward in life, setting the world on fire.”

By Anna Quince Fleming

ord

by Axe

You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same.

CRYPTIC Down 1 Stories he tells sending up type of transport (4) 2 Road on which social climber turned up displaying ornamental shrub (6) 3 A boy king, son of Eliiphaz (6) 4 Native American's upset losing ring, one coming from Indonesia (5) 5 Clergyman's study down under is being curtailed (6) 6 Record at a pub, one New York's supporting, being a January fixture (8) 12 'Birth of a Nation's only half on – at six on telly, either side – at Christmas (8) 13 Top South Australian carnivore's kind of pouch (3) 16 Report Viking retreat in a valley near Jerusalem (6) 18 One killed in Susa is a boy found upset within Ionia's bounds

(6) 19 Guard hurled the first of lances to be commandeered... (6) 20 ...Lance earl used to break up joust (5) 23 Biblical country's macho overthrow (4)

QUICK Across 7 Underground pool; once a major water source for Jerusalem (6) 8 Second city of Syria (6) 9 Wife of procurator Felix who heard Paul's case (8) 10 Member of a Christian sect; one descended from the ancient Egyptians (4) 11 Pulls apart; works out (7) 14 UN Secretary General 1997-2006; Scottish town (5) 15 Add fuel to: keep (a fire) going (5) 17 Middle-of-the-road illumination (4-3) 21 Roman poet remembered for his elegiac verses on love (43 BC - AD 17) (4) 22 Member of a strict sect of Judaism (8) 24 Genus of the family commonly known as belladonna or deadly nightshade (6) 25 Town of Canaan where Jehu killed Ahaziah (6) QUICK Down 1 Fabricator of the truth; perjurer (4) 2 Japanese dwarf trees and shrubs (6) 3 Grandson of Esau and son of Eliphaz (6) 4 Son of Japheth, father of people who lived in Greece and Asia Minor (5) 5 Position of an ordinand on successful completion of training (6)

6 Day after Twelfth Night (8) 12 Theological doctrine that Jesus Christ had no human father (8) 13 Fluid container; bag (3) 16 Valley separating Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives (6) 18 Notable among the enemies killed by the Jews at Ahasuerus' citadel in Susa (6) 19 Protect; ward off (6) 20 Assegai, for example (5) 23 Biblical country in south-west Asia to the east of the Tigris River (4) SOLUTION

Across: 7 Siloam, 8 Aleppo, 9 Drusilla, 10 Copt, 11 Unpicks, 14 Annan, 15 Stoke, 17 Cat's-eye, 21 Ovid, 22 Pharisee, 24 Atropa, 25 Ibleam. Down: 1 Liar, 2 Bonsai, 3 Amalek, 4 Javan, 5 Deacon, 6 Epiphany, 12 Nativity, 13 Sac, 16 Kidron, 18 Adalia, 19 Shield, 20 Spear, 23 Elam.

CRYPTIC Across 7 Pool, outside Jerusalem, is a store of grain by morning (6) 8 Quiet after drink by the river in the Syrian city (6) 9 Felix's wife needs a doctor, getting sick in America (8) 10 Police officer close to Egypt reportedly finds a Christian sect member (4) 11 Pulls apart sick pun? (7) 14 Biblical prophetess's name for a Scottish town (5) 15 Midlands city cricket captain loses toss in the end (5) 17 One's reflective after transposing Yeats into the church (4-3) 21 Short recording following the appearance of old poet (4) 22 In Persia he, curiously, becomes a Jew (8) 24 Dangerous plant genus, dock, making a comeback in the borders of Asia (6) 25 Partly responsible, ambushing Canaan town (6)